Hari Raya Puasa, all the Malays! I would like to wish all the Malays a Happy Hari Raya Puasa. There will be no school for all of us from 15th October till 19th October as there are PSLE markings days. YIPPEE! YAHOO!
Today the Malays will go home early as on Saturday, it is Hari Raya Puasa. It also means that the Malays will not need to fast on that day. My Malays friends are looking forward to that day. During Hari Raya Puasa season Muslim families send cards to their near and dear ones.
In Singapore Malays and Muslims of other races celebrate Hari Raya Puasa with a big feast. The celebration comes after a 30-day of fasting, which is called the month of Ramadhan. During the month they refrain from eating or drinking from five-thirty in the morning to the time of sunset.
Muslims believe that fasting purifies the soul of one who practices it. Every Muslim looks forward to the big day of feast, when he or she breaks fasting. Weeks before Hari Raya Puasa, every Muslim home is gaily decorated with new paint and colorful lights. Muslim women prepare cakes (kueh) and delicacies to be served on the day of celebration. They spend money on new clothing and other household needs.
On the day of Hari Raya Puasa all male members go to the mosque in the morning to say prayers for their happiness and prosperity. Women members, meanwhile, help in preparing the feast for the day. It is a day of merriment in every home. Every one is busy, greeting friends and enjoying sumptuous meals. In Malays home men, women and children wear their traditional dress as part of their custom. Some men wear ‘songkok’, a headress of the Muslims on important occasions. Every year during the season there is a public celebration in Geylang with illumination on streets, stage shows and a trade fair. Everyone takes part in the celebration to enjoy the sprit of the festival.
I wanted to specially wish my form teacher, Mdm Noraini, and all my Malaysclassmates aHAPPY HARI RAYA PUASA!!!